Malta aspires towards a paradigm shift in the maritime industry, and to this end is focusing on digitalisation and finding a balance between economic and environmental targets. This balance would lead to a competitive advantage for operators. For this reason, government believes in a global approach at the level of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).
This was stated by Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Capital Projects Aaron Farrugia during the opening of the Malta Maritime Summit 2022.
This summit brought together government ministers, international maritime executives, and officials to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing this industry as well as the way forward towards a more sustainable and resilient maritime sector.
Among its participants are IMO Secretary General Kitack Lim, Cyprus’ Shipping Deputy Minister Vassilios Demetriades, Greece’s Minister for Maritime Affairs Ioannis Plakiotakis, and Portugal’s Secretary of State for Maritime Affairs José Maria Costa.
The summit is also being addressed by the President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola, European Commissioner for the Environment Virginijus Sinkevičius, and European Commissioner for Transport Adina Vălean.
In line with the government strategy, special focus is being given to sustainability, digitalisation and added value job creation.
Minister Farrugia stated that government is committed to actively promote and support the maritime industry; appealing for vision and the courage to change and invest.
Aaron Farrugia said that this event comes only a few days after the international maritime community celebrated the World Maritime Day, with this year’s theme being ‘New Technologies for Greener Shipping’. On this occasion, government reaffirmed its support to the IMO as the main catalyst for a sustainable shipping industry. Significant actions have already been taken to reduce the negative footprint of shipping on the environment, notably the adoption of the IMO objective to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from ships by 50% by 2050.
The minister stated that sustainability is crucial to allow one to harness the huge potential of the sea around us, and that while consolidation of this industry is driven by the private sector, there is an important role for government to support policies and initiatives that will stimulate growth and long-term sustainability. At the same time, he said, Transport Malta will continue to play an active role in the digitalisation and innovation process, with a constant revamp of the Merchant Shipping Act which will render the authority one of the most competitive in Europe and the world.
“The maritime sector is one of the main pillars of the economy and is the lifeline to the island’s connectivity with the rest of the world. Over the years, several success stories have been announced, such as a leading jurisdiction for ship and yacht registration, a main transhipment hub in the Mediterranean, a main cruise port and leading ship repair, and yachts facilities. All these success stories are a confirmation that Malta is establishing itself as a centre of maritime excellence. This was only possible thanks to the dedication and commitment of many people who work tirelessly to put Malta on the world map”, concluded Minister Aaron Farrugia.
Photos: DOI/MTIP
